Chief elected in 'snack of democracy'

Chief elected in 'snack of democracy'

PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): People normally find an excuse
to say no when their neighbors come and ask them to become
neighborhood chief, unless they are threatened with great bodily
harm.

The position is generally not sought after with much
exuberance because the official receives no pay for his services,
unless he has the heart to take the few rupiah his neighbors
offer him when they come to him for some menial paperwork.

Residents of Sumampir in west Purwokerto tried to make the
election of their neighborhood chief on Sunday a "feast of
democracy", just like the June 7 general election.

Several days ahead of election day, the election committee
invited the six candidates to discuss their programs in a debate
modeled after presidential candidate debates in the United
States. The rapt audience was made up of their neighbors.

When the debate was over, the candidates and the audience
enjoyed a street dance performed by locals.

Five "polling places" were set up and voting was obligatory
for all 232 residents over the age of 17.

"We were inspired by the June 7 elections, which we considered
fair and democratic," Suyatno, a member of the neighborhood
election committee, said.

Winning the first ever democratic neighborhood chief election
was Sukoco, a motorcycle mechanic who garnered 97 votes. His main
rival, Paryono, obtained 40 votes and was named secretary. (45)